Government
Until
the beginning of 20th century, Bhutan was ruled by dual system
of administration known as "chhosi" which was initiated by Shabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal in 1651. Shabdrung created the office of the Druk Desi to look
after the temporal administration of the country and the Je Khenpo to manage
religious matters.
His Majesty, King Jigme Singye Wangchuk, fourth in the Wangchuck dynasty is head of the state. His Majesty formally ascended the Golden Throne on 2 June 1974 and since then steered the country firmly towards the objectives of economic self-reliance, cultural promotion, regionally balanced development, environment preservation and good governance.
The National Assembly, the Royal Advisory Council, the Judiciary, the Council of Ministers and the Sectoral Ministries are the organizations that play a crucial role in the governance of the Kingdom of Bhutan. At the district, block and village levels there are established mechanisms that ensure people's participation in the decision making process.
National
Assembly; Established in 1953 by His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji
Wangchuk, the main functions of the National Assembly are to enact laws,
approve senior appointments in government and advise on all matters of national
importance. It normally meets twice a year and consists of 154 members
comprising 105 elected representatives of the people, 10 representatives of the
clergy and 39 nominated representatives of the government.
